Busy Mom VS Daily Grind – Day 10 + Thumbprint Magnets Tutorial

New here and wondering what’s going on? Busy Mom VS Daily Grind is all about making the dedication to do something every day that will help you live a happier, more fulfilling life. I have committed to document my journey of developing the habits of living moment by moment, being grateful, and bringing self expression + creativity into every day. Read more about the challenge HERE.

The girls and I did a little craft today! We made these cute little keepsake thumbprint magnets to give Daddy on Father’s Day. I thought you’d enjoy a tutorial so you can make these with your own kids. The magnets would be great as gifts for moms and grandparents too! You could also make them into thumbtacks (OH he he! Thumbprint thumbtacks! LOL).

You’ll need some oven-bake clay, a toothpick, baking sheet, tinfoil, craft or acrylic paint, a rag, E-6000 glue, and some magnets (I used 1/2″ neodymium magnets that I purchased off Etsy).

Step 1: Let your kid(s) knead the clay until its soft and smooth. Make sure they have clean hands, or you’ll bake little fuzzies and gunk into the clay! lol

Step 2: Line a baking sheet with foil, then roll the clay into 1″ balls.

Step 3: Gently squish the clay to make round disks.

Step 4: Help your child gently press their thumb into the clay. Try not to let them wiggle too much so you get a clean impression!

My oldest wanted to create a few of her own designs too! ;0)

Step 5: Next, use a toothpick to carefully write their name and age around the thumbprint. It can get a little tricky (especially with the letter ‘e’), so go slow.

Step 6: Bake the clay according to the directions. I had to bake mine for 15 minutes at 275F.

Step 7: When they are completely cooled, use your finger to press some paint into the name.

Step 8: Use a slightly damp cloth to gently rub off the excess paint.

To color the thumbprint, add paint with your finger, then with a clean finger, gently swipe the excess paint away. The markings in the thumbprint are not deep enough to hold paint if you rub it with a rag.

Step 9: Lastly, glue magnets to the back using the super-duper-awesome E-6000 glue.

Let it dry for a few hours before attempting to use the magnets. The neodymium magnets are SUPER strong; if you stick them to the fridge before the glue is completely dry, you might just rip the clay from the magnet when trying to take it off the fridge! lol

I’m sure any family member would love to get a keepsake like this from their beloved little ones! Aren’t they cute!?

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About Kristal

Kristal is a creative life coach who helps women reclaim their creative magic, reconnect with their Soul, and realize their innate magnificence so they can lead a more authentic, fulfilling life. Click here to read more...